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I speak an open and disinterested language, dictated by no passion but that of humanity. To me, who have not only refused offers, because I thought them improper, but have declined rewards I might with reputation have accepted, it is no wonder that meanness and imposition appear disgustful. Independence is my happiness, and I view things as they are, without regard to place or person; my country is the world, and my religion is to do good..

Thomas Paine#1

PoliticsEthicsIndependenceCommunicationHumanityLanguage

About this quote

What does it mean?
Advocates speaking without bias, valuing independence and humanity over personal gain.
In plain terms
Speak impartially and serve humanity.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize truth and independence over reward.

Where it applies

  • public speaking
  • diplomacy

Putting it to work

  • avoid personal bias
  • serve the common good

Questions to consider

  • Can true impartiality exist?
  • What costs independence?

Another view

Idealistic; may be impractical in power structures.

More from Thomas Paine

  1. Man is not the enemy of man but through the medium of a false system of government.

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  2. The christian religion is a parody on the worship of the Sun, in which they put a man whom they call Christ, in the place of the Sun, and pay him the same ador…

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not YET sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favour; a long habit of not thinking a th…

    Permalink to quote #4

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